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Javier Castellano
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Javier Castellano (born October 23, 1977) is a Venezuelan jockey in American Thoroughbred horse racing.
Key Information
Castellano won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.[2] In 2023 he won two legs of the American Triple Crown–the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes–aboard different horses.[3]
Career
[edit]Castellano began his riding career in 1996 at Santa Rita and La Rinconada racecourses in Venezuela. In June 1997 he moved to the United States where he rode at race tracks in southern Florida until 2001, when he moved north to race on the New York State racing circuit.
He had his first major wins in 2004, on Frank Stronach's colt Ghostzapper and won several major races including the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic, earning 2004 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year and other honors. In 2006, Castellano rode Bernardini for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Darley Racing, winning the Preakness Stakes, the Travers Stakes, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.[4]
Castellano received the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, each year having the highest purse winnings of any jockey in North America.[2] In 2013, he finished the year with purse earnings of over $26.2 million, surpassing the single-season record previously held by Ramon Dominguez in 2012.[5] He passed 4,000 North American wins in February 2015,[6] and by the end of the year had broken his own single-season winnings and earnings record.[7]
In 2023 Castellano won two legs of the Triple Crown on two separate horses, winning aboard Mage in the Kentucky Derby and Arcangelo in the Belmont Stakes. It was Castellano's first career victory in each race.[3]
Castellano was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2017.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Racing runs in Castellano's family. His father, who died in 2000, his uncle, and a brother all have been jockeys. He considers his father to be the biggest influence on his career.[9]
He and his wife, Abby have three children. His father-in-law is Terry Meyocks, national director of the Jockeys' Guild. His younger brother Abel Castellano, Jr. (born 1983) is also a jockey and rode his first winner on September 22, 1999, at Santa Rita Race Course in Venezuela.[10] In 2000 he began riding in the United States at Gulfstream Park.[11]
Year-end charts
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| Chart (2000–present) | Rank by earnings |
|---|---|
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2000 | 31 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2001 | 28 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2002 | 15 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2003 | 15 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2004 | 6 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2005 | 6 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2006 | 11 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2007 | 9 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2008 | 10 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2009 | 16 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2010 | 6 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2011 | 3 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2012 | 2 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2013 | 1 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2014 | 1 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2015 | 1 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2016 | 1 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2017 | 2 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2018 | 3 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2019 | 3 |
| National Earnings List for Jockeys 2020 | 9 |
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=People&searchType=J&eID=57935&rbt=TB
- ^ a b Shulman, Lenny (21 January 2017). "Castellano Scores Fourth Straight Eclipse as Top Jockey". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
- ^ a b Grening, David (10 June 2023). "Belmont: Arcangelo's upset makes Antonucci first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
Arcangelo was ridden to victory Saturday by Javier Castellano. It was his first career win in the Belmont with his 15th mount. Five weeks ago, Castellano won his first Kentucky Derby in his 16th attempt, aboard Mage, who did not run in the Belmont after finishing third in the Preakness.
- ^ "Javier Castellano || Official Site". Jockeyjaviercastellano.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2014-12-18.
- ^ Novak, Claire (January 18, 2014). "Javier Castellano Earns First Eclipse Award". bloodhorse.com. The BloodHorse. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
- ^ "Castellano Reaches 4,000th-Win Milestone". Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2015-02-09.
- ^ "And Away We Go … Eclipse Awards Night at Gulfstream Park". 17 January 2016.
- ^ Frakes, Jason (26 April 2017). "Kentucky Derby 2017 | Castellano now enters Derby as Hall of Famer". Courier Journal. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
- ^ [1] Archived 2024-01-13 at the Wayback Machine https://www.keeneland.com/jockey-bios/javier-castellano Archived 2024-01-13 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Pimlico Race Course Archived 2013-04-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Delaware Park Deprecated link archived 2013-06-29 at archive.today
External links
[edit]Javier Castellano
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Birth and Family Background
Javier Castellano was born on October 23, 1977, in Maracaibo, Venezuela.[5][6] Castellano grew up in a family deeply immersed in horse racing, with his father, Abel Castellano Sr., serving as a professional jockey for nearly 30 years in Venezuela until his death in 2000.[7][8] His uncle and younger brother, Abel Castellano Jr., were also professional jockeys, creating a household environment saturated with the sport from an early age.[7][9] This familial legacy provided Castellano with constant exposure to horses and racing practices during his upbringing in Maracaibo.[2] Facing limited professional opportunities in Venezuela's racing circuit, Castellano decided to pursue his career abroad and immigrated to the United States in June 1997, initially basing himself in South Florida.[7][9] This move was influenced by the prospect of greater competitive and financial prospects in American Thoroughbred racing.[7]Introduction to Horse Racing
Javier Castellano's early exposure to horse racing was profoundly shaped by his family, particularly his father, Abel Castellano Sr., a former jockey whose career ignited young Javier's fascination with the sport. Growing up in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Castellano often watched his father and uncle compete on the track, sparking a childhood passion for riding that drew him away from his initial interest in baseball, where his slender 5-foot-1-inch frame proved a disadvantage for aspiring power hitters.[7][1] Despite his father's reservations—stemming from firsthand knowledge of the profession's dangers and physical hardships—Castellano received his initial riding instruction directly from him, beginning informal training as a youth in Venezuela. This family-guided introduction included basic riding lessons and hands-on experience around stables, where he developed the foundational skills needed for competitive jockeying. His younger brother, Abel Jr., followed a similar path, reinforcing the familial legacy in racing.[7][1] As a young aspiring jockey in Venezuela's vibrant yet demanding racing scene, Castellano encountered notable challenges, including the rigorous physical requirements of weight management and the inherent risks of falls and injuries, which his father had long warned about. Economic constraints in the region further complicated pursuits in the sport, limiting access to resources and opportunities for newcomers amid family expectations to seek safer livelihoods. These obstacles tested his resolve but ultimately fueled his determination.[7] By his late teens, Castellano had progressed through his amateur phase, culminating in his decision to turn professional at age 18 in 1996. This milestone marked the end of his introductory period and the start of his formal career at Venezuelan tracks such as La Rinconada and Santa Rita, where he quickly established himself as a promising apprentice rider.[1][7]Career Beginnings
Apprenticeship in Venezuela
Javier Castellano launched his professional jockey career in Venezuela in 1996 at the age of 18, debuting at Santa Rita Racetrack near his hometown of Maracaibo, where he finished off the board aboard Ronnie Boy. Three months later, he recorded his first career victory, marking the start of a promising apprenticeship. That same year, Castellano achieved a notable personal milestone by defeating his father, Abel Castellano Sr.—who had come out of retirement for a single race—in a contest aboard the heavy favorite, highlighting his emerging talent amid familial racing ties.[10][7] Throughout 1996, Castellano honed his skills at prominent Venezuelan tracks, including La Rinconada in Caracas, competing in a circuit known for its competitive fields and demanding conditions. As an apprentice, he quickly rose to become one of the leading riders in the country, accumulating early successes that built his foundational experience in race tactics, horse handling, and track navigation. These initial races exposed him to the rigors of professional riding, such as maintaining optimal weight and navigating intense rivalries with established jockeys.[7][9] Castellano's apprenticeship period emphasized practical growth over major accolades, though he secured several local stakes wins that underscored his potential before departing for the United States in 1997. His father's initial reluctance toward the profession, stemming from awareness of its inherent dangers and hardships, added personal motivation to Castellano's determination during this formative phase.[7]Transition to the United States
In 1997, at the age of 19, Javier Castellano relocated from Venezuela to the United States, seeking greater opportunities in Thoroughbred racing after beginning his professional career in his home country. He arrived in South Florida and began riding at Calder Race Course, where he secured his first North American victory aboard Phone Man on July 31, 1997.[1][6] Castellano faced significant early challenges in the U.S., including homesickness, cultural adjustments, and language barriers as a Spanish speaker navigating an English-dominant industry. He started in lower-tier claiming and allowance races, often on lesser-quality horses, while learning the nuances of American tracks and competition. "I paid my price," Castellano later reflected, noting he rode "the cheapest horses, the worst horses" at Calder to build experience.[7][11] By 2001, seeking higher-profile opportunities, Castellano moved to the New York racing circuit on January 1, advised by his agent Steve Adika. This transition marked a turning point, as he quickly adapted to the more competitive environment at tracks like Belmont and Saratoga. That year, he progressed from allowance races to his first graded stakes successes, culminating in Grade 1 victories aboard Exogenous in the Beldame Stakes and Gazelle Handicap, establishing his foothold in elite American racing.[6][10][1][12]Professional Career
Breakthrough Wins and Milestones
Castellano achieved his first Breeders' Cup victory in 2004 aboard Ghostzapper in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Lone Star Park, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in his early U.S. career following his transition from Venezuela.[13][14] Ghostzapper's dominant performance that year, including wins in the Woodward Stakes and Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Handicap, earned the colt the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.[1][15] One of Castellano's most notable accomplishments is his record seven wins in the Travers Stakes, the oldest major stakes race in the U.S., spanning from 2006 to 2023.[16] His victories include Bernardini in 2006, Afleet Express in 2010, Stay Thirsty in 2011, V.E. Day in 2014, Keen Ice in 2015 (upsetting Triple Crown winner American Pharoah), Catholic Boy in 2018, and Arcangelo in 2023.[17][18] His fifth victory came in 2015 aboard Keen Ice, setting a record at the time and highlighting his dominance at Saratoga Race Course.[19] In 2018, Castellano reached his 5,000th career win in North America, becoming the 34th jockey to achieve the milestone, accomplished with consecutive stakes victories on Empire Showcase Day at Belmont Park aboard Offering Plan in the Mohawk Stakes and Runaway Lute in the Hudson Handicap.[20][21] Castellano set a single-season earnings record for a jockey in 2015, with his mounts earning $28,120,767, eclipsing his own 2013 mark of over $26 million.[2][22] This success stemmed from long-standing partnerships with elite trainers like Todd Pletcher, with whom he has collaborated on numerous graded stakes triumphs, and owners such as Godolphin, contributing to over 900 career stakes wins.[23][1]Major Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Victories
Javier Castellano secured his first Triple Crown victory in the 2006 Preakness Stakes aboard Bernardini, who rallied from off the pace to win by 5¼ lengths at Pimlico Race Course, marking a breakthrough in major American classic racing for the Venezuelan jockey.[24] He added a second Preakness win in 2017 with Cloud Computing, who closed strongly under a patient ride to edge Classic Empire by a head, completing a wire-to-wire effort after setting moderate fractions.[25] Despite these successes, Castellano endured prolonged near-misses in the other Triple Crown legs, entering 2023 with 0 wins from 15 Kentucky Derby starts—his best prior finish a third aboard Audible in 2018—and 0 wins from 14 Belmont Stakes attempts, including three runner-up efforts in 2011, 2014, and 2016.[26][27] His persistence paid off dramatically that year, first guiding 15-1 longshot Mage to a determined neck victory in the Kentucky Derby on his 16th attempt, rallying along the rail amid a chaotic stretch run at Churchill Downs.[26] Three weeks later, after Mage finished third in the Preakness Stakes, Castellano partnered with a new mount, Arcangelo, to capture the Belmont Stakes by 1½ lengths at Belmont Park—his first win in that race after 14 prior starts—becoming the first jockey since 1948 to win the Derby and Belmont in the same year on different horses.[28] These 2023 triumphs represented a profound career resurgence for Castellano, who had faced a significant slump in the early 2020s, including no mounts in Triple Crown races during 2022 and a drop in high-profile opportunities following the COVID-19 disruptions, before rebounding with four Grade 1 wins that season alone.[29] In Breeders' Cup competition, Castellano's major highlight came early with his inaugural victory in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic aboard Ghostzapper, who set a track record of 1:59.02 while winning by 10 lengths at Lone Star Park, propelling the colt to Horse of the Year honors.[30] He amassed 12 Breeders' Cup wins overall, including a standout double in 2015 with Stopchargingmaria in the Distaff—edging a late charge from Stellar Wind by a nose—and Runhappy in the Dirt Mile by 3½ lengths, contributing to his record earnings that year.[3] Other notable triumphs encompassed back-to-back Filly and Mare Turf wins in 2012 (Zagora) and 2014 (Dayatthespa), as well as Juvenile Fillies successes in 2013 (Ria Antonia) and 2017 (Rushing Fall), underscoring his versatility across championship distances and surfaces.[3]Awards and Honors
Eclipse Awards
Javier Castellano secured the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey four consecutive times from 2013 to 2016, joining Jerry Bailey as the only jockey to accomplish this streak, with Bailey achieving it from 2000 to 2003.[31][32] The Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey recognizes the top performer in North American Thoroughbred racing based on a voting process conducted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), and National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). Voters from these organizations—comprising racing professionals, media members, and Equibase chart callers—rank their top three candidates, awarding 10 points for first place, 5 for second, and 1 for third, with the highest total determining the winner. This system emphasizes overall excellence, including wins, earnings, and high-level performances, where Castellano's consistent leadership in purse earnings and victories was pivotal.[33] In 2013, Castellano earned his first award by leading all jockeys with 362 victories and a single-season record of $26,219,907 in mount earnings, alongside 24 graded stakes wins that underscored his dominance across major tracks like Gulfstream Park, Belmont Park, and Saratoga.[34][35] His dominance persisted through 2014–2016, as he topped national earnings each year—$25,056,464 in 2014, a new record $28,120,809 in 2015 with 344 wins, and $26,826,241 in 2016—while setting benchmarks like 17 Grade I victories in 2015, highlighting his prowess in elite competitions and solidifying his status as a transformative figure in the sport.[2][36][37]Hall of Fame Induction
Javier Castellano was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2017 at the age of 39, marking him as the youngest jockey to receive the honor since Laffit Pincay Jr. was enshrined in 1975 at age 28.[38] His election came in the first year he met the eligibility criteria for active or recently active jockeys, which require at least 10 years as a licensed rider and a minimum of 2,000 career victories; by that point, Castellano had amassed over 4,600 wins.[39][40] The selection process involved nomination by a committee of racing experts followed by a vote from a panel of Hall of Fame members, media, and industry officials, where candidates must receive at least 75% approval for induction in the contemporary category.[7] The induction ceremony took place on August 4, 2017, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs, New York, during the height of the summer racing meet.[41] Castellano shared the stage with fellow jockey inductees Victor Espinoza and the late Garrett Gomez, as well as horse Goldikova and trainer Bill Mott. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized themes of perseverance amid career setbacks, including early injuries and suspensions, recounting how he initially underestimated the sport's challenges but never surrendered.[42] He expressed deep gratitude to his family, particularly his wife and children, his agent, and trainers who supported his journey from Venezuela to American racing prominence.[43] Following his induction, Castellano demonstrated that Hall of Fame recognition did not signal the end of his competitive edge, as he sustained a high level of performance in subsequent years, securing additional major victories and solidifying his status among the sport's elite riders.[7]Other Honors
In 2023, Castellano received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, recognizing his outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.[44]Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Javier Castellano married Abigail "Abby" Meyocks on July 12, 2004.[45] Abby, the daughter of longtime racing executive Terry Meyocks, has provided steadfast support throughout Castellano's career transitions and demanding travel schedule.[46] The couple resides in Garden City, New York, where they have built a stable family life amid the jockey's professional commitments.[47] The Castellanos have three children: daughters Kayla Marie, born in 2006, and Sienna Grace, born in 2009, and son Brady Ryan, born in 2012.[48][49] The family frequently attends major races together, including the 2023 Kentucky Derby, where Castellano secured his first victory in the event aboard Mage, sharing the milestone with Abby and the children.[47] Castellano's racing schedule often requires extended absences, but the family maintains routines centered on quality time during off periods, with Abby managing the household and children's activities.[50] He has credited Abby's role in balancing these demands as essential to his perseverance, noting that her encouragement helped him overcome career setbacks.[51] Castellano has emphasized making the most of family moments, such as school events and holidays, to foster closeness despite the sport's rigors.[52] Through his marriage, Castellano is connected to the Jockeys' Guild, with father-in-law Terry Meyocks serving as its President and CEO since 2007, which has heightened his awareness of industry advocacy issues.[53][54] This familial tie underscores the intersection of Castellano's personal life with broader racing community efforts.[44]Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Javier Castellano has been actively involved in supporting child care initiatives within the racing community, particularly through his role on the board of directors of the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA), which he joined in 2023. He currently serves on the honorary board. In this capacity, he has contributed to programs providing care and educational support for children of racetrack workers at facilities like Anna House. During a visit to Anna House that year, Castellano engaged with pre-kindergarten students by reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and presenting them with swim goggles, fostering positive interactions and highlighting his commitment to youth development at racetracks.[55][56] As co-vice chairman of the Jockeys' Guild as of 2025, a role he has held since at least 2023, Castellano advocates for the health, safety, and welfare of jockeys, including initiatives to improve working conditions and provide support services. His involvement is influenced by family ties, as his father-in-law, Terry Meyocks, serves as the President and CEO of the Guild. This leadership role underscores his efforts to enhance the professional environment for riders, drawing from his own extensive career experiences.[57][9][58] Castellano has participated in various fundraisers and community events benefiting youth and health causes, such as autograph signings at Saratoga Race Course in 2015 to support the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research. He has also volunteered at children's hospitals and the Ronald McDonald House on Long Island, joining fellow jockeys in visits to bring cheer and gifts to families of seriously ill children, including events in 2017 and earlier years. These activities reflect his dedication to giving back to immigrant and racing families who have supported his journey from Venezuela to American Thoroughbred racing.[59][60][61]Career Statistics
Overall Win Records
Javier Castellano began his professional riding career in Venezuela in 1996, moved to the United States in 1997, and recorded his first North American victory on July 31, 1997, aboard Phone Man at Calder Race Course.[32] He steadily built his record through consistent performances at major tracks. By 2012, he reached his 3,000th career victory on February 24 at Gulfstream Park aboard Virtuously in the sixth race.[62] He continued this momentum, achieving his 4,000th win on February 8, 2015, at the same venue with Stanford in the fourth race.[63] As of November 20, 2025, Castellano's lifetime statistics stand at 33,240 starts, 5,910 first-place finishes, 5,391 seconds, and 4,851 thirds, generating total purse earnings of $413,116,607, placing him second all-time among jockeys in earnings behind only John R. Velazquez.[3][64] His career win percentage is 18%, reflecting a high level of consistency across nearly three decades of competition.[3] In peak years like 2015, this rate climbed to 23%, driven by 344 victories from 1,507 mounts, including standout performances at key meets.[2] Castellano holds prominent records at several premier venues, particularly Saratoga Race Course, where he secured two riding titles with 58 wins in 2014 and a personal best of 66 in 2013.[32] He set a track mark for consecutive victories there with five straight wins on July 26, 2010, and has recorded multiple five-win days, underscoring his dominance during the summer meet.[65] At Gulfstream Park, he leads in stakes victories with five meet titles from 2011 to 2016, highlighted by a record 132 wins during the 2013-2014 championship meet.[66] These achievements at Gulfstream also include numerous graded stakes triumphs, contributing significantly to his overall purse totals.[67]| Statistic | Career Total (as of November 20, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Starts | 33,240 |
| Wins | 5,910 |
| Seconds | 5,391 |
| Thirds | 4,851 |
| Earnings | $413,116,607 |
| Win % | 18% |